Multi-Coupler Shear Pin Breakaway Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-coupler assemblies for work vehicles and implements fail to prevent damage during unintended detachment or 'breakaway' events, leading to stress and damage on power lines and vehicle/components.
Innovation Solution
The multi-coupler assembly incorporates a shear pin mechanism and tether system that allows controlled disengagement of fluid connectors during a breakaway event, reducing damage by shearing the shear pin to permit movement of coupling elements along a coupling axis, while maintaining the coupler mechanism's stability relative to its respective coupling element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid coupling mechanism is used to securely connect fluid connectors, then connection strength is improved, but damage during breakaway events worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into a rigid coupling body and a separate breakaway component (shear pin or breakaway link). The rigid coupling body provides strong connection during normal operation, while the breakaway component is designed to fail at a predetermined lower strength threshold during breakaway events, protecting the fluid connectors from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A breakaway link or shear pin is introduced as an intermediary element between the rigid coupling mechanism and the fluid connectors. This intermediary component absorbs the stress during breakaway events by failing first, preventing direct transmission of damaging forces to the fluid connectors while maintaining strong connection during normal operation.
2Productivity
If multiple fluid connectors are simultaneously connected, then productivity is improved, but complexity of the coupling mechanism worsens
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid connectors are merged into a single integrated coupling assembly where all connectors are simultaneously engaged by one coupling action. The breakaway mechanism is also integrated into this single assembly, allowing simultaneous connection of multiple fluid lines while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through functional integration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables controlled detachment of fluid connectors, minimizing damage to lines and components during breakaway events, ensuring efficient and secure connection/disconnection of multiple fluid lines, and reducing the risk of damage to the work vehicle and implement.
Implementation Method 1
A shear pin is carried by one of the coupling elements... The coupler mechanism is configured to shear the shear pin to permit movement of the first coupling element away from the second coupling element along the coupling axis during a breakaway event
Implementation Method 2
A tether is connected with the first coupling element and with the implement. The tether is configured to exert a pull force on the first coupling element during a breakaway event
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle multi-coupler assembly having a controlled breakaway feature include a pair of coupling elements that mate along a coupling axis. A shear pin is carried by one of the coupling elements. A coupler mechanism connected to the second coupling element and configured to engage the shear pin to bring the first coupling element into mating engagement with the second coupling element. The coupler mechanism is configured to shear the shear pin to permit movement of the first coupling element away from the second coupling element along the coupling axis during a breakaway event.